Twongere kawa coko
TWONGERE KAWA COKO, COFFEE, RWANDA (PRODUCER)
Rwandan coffee was first sold in 2002, a few years after the devastating genocide of 1994 left the country in turmoil. At that time, there were few places in the world more in need of economic growth and stability than Rwanda, and the production of high-quality coffee became an important focus for the country.
Today, Rwandan coffee production is focused on quality rather than quantity. Known as the ‘land of a thousand hills’, many of the farmers grow their produce on hillsides and within lush, untamed valleys. They are often members of local coffee co-operatives, who organise the processing and distribution of their produce.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Founded by 11 female coffee farmers in 2009, Twongere Kawa Coko is one of these co-operatives. President, Thérèse says: “I am very proud that the majority of our members are female and they have aspirations to expand the business further.”
RWANDAN COFFEE IS A BEAUTIFUL CUP
Twongere Kawa Coko has been providing support for their farmers and the local community in a number of ways:
- The old coffee store is now being used for women’s handcraft and sewing classes, to help women earn an extra income outside the coffee season.
- They provide training to their members on management of small income-generating projects.
- They have supported women in accessing funds and materials to make decorative materials for homes, which are sold within their communities.
- They also train their members on the importance of planting trees in order to prevent soil erosion and reduce effects of climate change.